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scaffold safety
Scaffold Safety
by Susan McElrath
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It is safe to assume that just about everybody has heard of a
scaffolding accident or two. In many of those cases, faulty
design and inadequate construction of the scaffolding was
involved but, in most case, scaffold accidents are
caused by poor maintenance and improper use. To help keep your
scaffolds safe, follow these simple scaffold safety procedures:
- Inspect the scaffolds daily before using them; check the
guard rails, connectors, fastening, footing, tie-ins and
bracing.
- Keep platforms closely boarded, fenced and securely
fastened.
- Don't stockpile materials on the scaffolds; remove all
materials and tools at the end of the day.
- Never overload scaffolds. Place the materials being used
over ledger and bearer points to minimize platform
loading.
- Don't work on scaffolds during storms or high winds and
clear all ice and snow from the platforms before using
them.
- Protect the scaffolds: don't bump or strike against the
scaffolds with vehicles or materials and control hoisted
material from the ground with taglines.
- Keep the platforms and area around the scaffold cleared
of debris and unneeded equipment, material and other
hazards that will cause a worker to trip or fall.
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